The Cheetahs, the Gloucester Knights Midgets cheerleading competition squad, won its first competition over the weekend at Jamfest in Fredericksburg. The girls competed as a level-one recreational team in the performance category, and placed first in their division.

Led by coaches Prissy Pelfrey and Krissy Hall, the girls only had a month of practice before the competition due to a lack of available practice space. Hall said the team faced a myriad of challenges including injury, COVID and snow days.

Hall added that the girls not only won their division but also received an invitation to attend a national competition next month at Walt Disney World in Florida.

She said the team’s victory is not tied to receiving the bid and is instead reliant on the judges’ opinions. Though the judges’ reasons are unclear as to why they gave the Cheetahs the invitation, the team is grateful regardless.

To compete in Florida next month, the Cheetahs must raise $10,000. The payment deadline ...